Meeting of the Parliament 10 June 2026 [Draft]
I congratulate Alyn Smith on securing the debate. I am pleased to speak in support of the motion and to recognise the work of Screen Scotland and the wider screen sector, particularly in creating opportunities for new talent. The fact that, 31 years ago, its closest predecessor, Scottish Screen, rejected a film script by an unknown 20-year-old social sciences undergraduate, which would undoubtedly have been the finest Scottish production since “Gregory’s Girl”, does not alter my view in that regard. In fact, it makes my point, because, despite my youthful arrogance in submitting it, somebody took the time to read it, review it, critique it and provide me with detailed feedback. I have never forgotten that generosity, because supporting emerging talent is exactly the kind of role that organisations such as Screen Scotland perform. Through its investment in filmmakers, independent cinemas, festivals and audience development, Screen Scotland helps to ensure that people across Scotland can access, enjoy and participate in film. As Professor Nick Higgins noted in the briefing that was circulated to members earlier, widening access is central to the growth of Scotland’s screen sector, if it is to reflect the diversity of Scottish society.
The fact is that cinema and screen remain among our most accessible and powerful art forms. They tell our stories, they reflect our communities and they project Scotland’s voice to audiences at home and abroad. In Aberdeen and the north-east, we are very fortunate to have creative businesses such as Signal, which recently won two gold awards at the Telly awards, and an organisation such as Station House Media Unit—SHMU—which plays a vital role in developing media skills, nurturing local talent and widening access to opportunities in the creative industries.
However, production companies, creative talent and audiences are all part of the same ecosystem. If Scotland’s screen industry is to contribute £1 billion annually to the economy, we must not focus solely on production. Films need places in which to be shown. That is why I was pleased to hear Michael Marra talk about why the future of the Belmont cinema matters so much. For generations, the Belmont was Aberdeen’s home of independent cinema—a place of film, education and community. Since its closure in 2022, there has been the sustained campaign to reopen it that Mr Marra referred to, not simply to restore a building but to protect a vital piece of cultural infrastructure. Reopening Aberdeen’s only independent cinema would strengthen the city centre; increase footfall for local businesses; support jobs, volunteering and skills development; and restore access to independent and international films that are rarely available elsewhere.
When, rightly, we speak about regeneration and creating vibrant city centres, cultural institutions such as the Belmont, and others that were mentioned by Lloyd Melville in his intervention and Michael Marra in his response, must be recognised as part of the solution. I therefore ask the minister to say how the Scottish Government will work with local partners to secure the remaining funding that is needed to reopen the cinema, continue to invest in cultural infrastructure and ensure that funding programmes better align with local regeneration priorities.
If we are serious about supporting Scotland’s screen sector, we must support not only the making of films but the places where audiences come together to experience them. I am pleased to support the motion. I am also pleased to remind members and any viewers that my script is still available for consideration.